Ultrasonographic Measurements of Kidney Dimensions of 109 Filipinos in South Luzon – A Descriptive Study

Abstract

Objective. The aim of this study is to measure the size of the kidney of Filipino patients, considered as having normal kidney size, in three dimensions, using ultrasound.

Methods. The ultrasound reports of 109 Filipino patients of a tertiary hospital south of Metro Manila were collected. LENGTH, WIDTH and HEIGHT of each kidney were tabulated and any associated condition seen during the procedure was noted. The ultrasonographic examination was done by only one board- certified radiologist.

Results. Based on ultrasonographic measurements, the average length, width and height of the right kidney are 10.38 cm, 5.30 cm and 3.82 cm, respectively. The left kidney has mean measurements of 10.32 cm, 5.15 cm and 4.10 cm for length, width and height, respectively. The presence of co-morbid conditions did not significantly alter the size of the kidneys.

Conclusion. These measurements conform to the standard measurements reported in earlier local researches and in standard textbooks with non-Filipino subjects. This study offers no new findings and just reaffirms what has already been reported. The data presented in this paper will hopefully emphasize the importance of looking at kidney size in the assessment of possible kidney pathology.